Don't be scared! haha. Actually thank you for writing this. I love running the marathon but hate, absolutely hate training for it. In fact I have ran once this week so far, just going to take a breather for a bit. For my last 3 marathons I only ran 3 times a week, averaging around 25 miles per week. My times were always around 3:50. If I run a marathon in 4 hours, I'm stoked! I'm all about lazy training, I just can't take it seriously like most people on here do, if running gave me a paycheck, maybe it would be different. Training for a marathon takes the joy out of running for me. I not your typical Type A runner

Killer time by the way on your part!

Thanks haha I think we are very very similar If you gave me $100 a run...yep I might just make the effort

Don't be scared! haha. Actually thank you for writing this. I love running the marathon but hate, absolutely hate training for it. In fact I have ran once this week so far, just going to take a breather for a bit. For my last 3 marathons I only ran 3 times a week, averaging around 25 miles per week. My times were always around 3:50. If I run a marathon in 4 hours, I'm stoked! I'm all about lazy training, I just can't take it seriously like most people on here do, if running gave me a paycheck, maybe it would be different. Training for a marathon takes the joy out of running for me. I not your typical Type A runner

Killer time by the way on your part!

Thanks haha I think we are very very similar If you gave me $100 a run...yep I might just make the effort

A guy joins an online cooking forum. He tells everyone he really likes eating, but hates all that stupid food preparation. He's tired of all that brainwashing about knives, ovens, and cooking. Why can't he just eat the raw artichoke without cooking it? Barefoot.

There seems to be a slight consensus that perhaps the 20 miler isn't needed if you're running a whole lot of miles during the week, which makes me think now that I'm sort of regretting choosing the Higdon Intermediate 1 plan; I seem to most enjoy runs between 8 and 12 miles and there just aren't enough runs of this length in the plan. This week I'm scheduled to do 5,8,5,5 and 20; I'd really prefer to do, say, 8,12,8,12,15. Are there plans that have higher miles during the week and perhaps a lower mileage long run? I had been thinking of doing Pfitz 55/18 but thought it was too intense, maybe next time around.

There seems to be a slight consensus that perhaps the 20 miler isn't needed if you're running a whole lot of miles during the week, which makes me think now that I'm sort of regretting choosing the Higdon Intermediate 1 plan; I seem to most enjoy runs between 8 and 12 miles and there just aren't enough runs of this length in the plan. This week I'm scheduled to do 5,8,5,5 and 20; I'd really prefer to do, say, 8,12,8,12,15. Are there plans that have higher miles during the week and perhaps a lower mileage long run? I had been thinking of doing Pfitz 55/18 but thought it was too intense, maybe next time around.

Well, famously there's Hanson. You can also design your own plan; I like Brad Hudson's book Run Faster which outlines what is important in a training plan and how to structure it.

But the important thing is that you not increase your mileage too quickly, so if Higdon matches your mileage, you had better not run 8, 12, 8, 12, 15 next week.

Don't be scared! haha. Actually thank you for writing this. I love running the marathon but hate, absolutely hate training for it. In fact I have ran once this week so far, just going to take a breather for a bit. For my last 3 marathons I only ran 3 times a week, averaging around 25 miles per week. My times were always around 3:50. If I run a marathon in 4 hours, I'm stoked! I'm all about lazy training, I just can't take it seriously like most people on here do, if running gave me a paycheck, maybe it would be different. Training for a marathon takes the joy out of running for me. I not your typical Type A runner

If the race is a fun run, and you don't really like running, why ask about training? Run, don't run -- it doesn't matter. Just enjoy race day.

Really?

This guy is always looking for approval for his lazy approach to training. Not sure why he even runs let alone signs up for marathons when every post is about how he doesn't like training and his "zen" approach is awesome. Although I'm not convinced he believes his approach is great because he always looking for a way to justify it.

In fact, he is the main reason I miss MRT; a place where people actually train to get better.

There seems to be a slight consensus that perhaps the 20 miler isn't needed if you're running a whole lot of miles during the week, which makes me think now that I'm sort of regretting choosing the Higdon Intermediate 1 plan; I seem to most enjoy runs between 8 and 12 miles and there just aren't enough runs of this length in the plan. This week I'm scheduled to do 5,8,5,5 and 20; I'd really prefer to do, say, 8,12,8,12,15. Are there plans that have higher miles during the week and perhaps a lower mileage long run? I had been thinking of doing Pfitz 55/18 but thought it was too intense, maybe next time around.

Well, famously there's Hanson. You can also design your own plan; I like Brad Hudson's book Run Faster which outlines what is important in a training plan and how to structure it.

But the important thing is that you not increase your mileage too quickly, so if Higdon matches your mileage, you had better not run 8, 12, 8, 12, 15 next week.

Higdon apparently has a philosophy in Intermediate 1 that the Sat. run before the Sun. 20 miler shouldn't be too long and that the next week, when the Sun. long run is lower mileage, the Sat. run can be higher in mileage. Intermediate 2, is not only higher general mileage, but abandons the pre-long run mileage philosophy and, for instance, has a 10 milers before the 20, but the next week has only a 6 before the Sunday 12 miler. Doesn't seem to make too much sense and makes determining any sort of philosophy about his plans difficult.

If the race is a fun run, and you don't really like running, why ask about training? Run, don't run -- it doesn't matter. Just enjoy race day.

Really?

This guy is always looking for approval for his lazy approach to training. Not sure why he even runs let alone signs up for marathons when every post is about how he doesn't like training and his "zen" approach is awesome. Although I'm not convinced he believes his approach is great because he always looking for a way to justify it.

In fact, he is the main reason I miss MRT; a place where people actually train to get better.

Sick of these fun run loons...NTTAWWT!

You're right. This didn't come out right. What I meant to say was that perhaps there are better places to share not liking running with complete strangers. Maybe Twitter:

#Had Pinkberry at lunch with extra sprinkles. Barefoot. It was good. No running. Hate running.

Don't be scared! haha. Actually thank you for writing this. I love running the marathon but hate, absolutely hate training for it. In fact I have ran once this week so far, just going to take a breather for a bit. For my last 3 marathons I only ran 3 times a week, averaging around 25 miles per week. My times were always around 3:50. If I run a marathon in 4 hours, I'm stoked! I'm all about lazy training, I just can't take it seriously like most people on here do, if running gave me a paycheck, maybe it would be different. Training for a marathon takes the joy out of running for me. I not your typical Type A runner

If the race is a fun run, and you don't really like running, why ask about training? Run, don't run -- it doesn't matter. Just enjoy race day.

Really?

This guy is always looking for approval for his lazy approach to training. Not sure why he even runs let alone signs up for marathons when every post is about how he doesn't like training and his "zen" approach is awesome. Although I'm not convinced he believes his approach is great because he always looking for a way to justify it.

In fact, he is the main reason I miss MRT; a place where people actually train to get better.

Sick of these fun run loons...NTTAWWT!

Ahhh poor baby, you miss MRT? Say it again, you miss MRT. No one is talking about Zen running, at least im not, what is zen running? i have been running for over 20 years, it's part of my life. I never stop running, so maybe I am not even training for a marathon, I just sign up and run like I normally do, but throw some long runs in on the weekend. I miss MRT as well, because it keeps the wanna-be elitists in one play pen.

Very true: the marathon is a celebration of the training payoff and a manifestation of the training results as much as anything, maybe more than the actual race itself. I enjoy the 18 weeks of training more than the actual marathon yet I need the race to ensure that I do the training.

Don't be scared! haha. Actually thank you for writing this. I love running the marathon but hate, absolutely hate training for it. In fact I have ran once this week so far, just going to take a breather for a bit. For my last 3 marathons I only ran 3 times a week, averaging around 25 miles per week. My times were always around 3:50. If I run a marathon in 4 hours, I'm stoked! I'm all about lazy training, I just can't take it seriously like most people on here do, if running gave me a paycheck, maybe it would be different. Training for a marathon takes the joy out of running for me. I not your typical Type A runner

Killer time by the way on your part!

Thanks haha I think we are very very similar If you gave me $100 a run...yep I might just make the effort

A guy joins an online cooking forum. He tells everyone he really likes eating, but hates all that stupid food preparation. He's tired of all that brainwashing about knives, ovens, and cooking. Why can't he just eat the raw artichoke without cooking it? Barefoot.

What a load of bulls***, completely different! This isn't an online TRAINING forum...its called RUNNER's world...I love running, I love hearing tips of how to improve running...I have every right to be here thank you very much.

Originally Posted by dkggpeters:

Originally Posted by Sir Diggby:

Originally Posted by dkggpeters:

Originally Posted by Sir Diggby:

I think the longest run should take 85-90% of your realistic goal marathon time. (3 hour marathon =2:33 / 2:42 long run) This can be 18 easy miles or 20 w/ a touch of quality.

Nothing to base that on, surely didn't get the advice from some schmo I just met who ran a blazing fast 3:25 marathon.

I agree assuming you have sufficient weekly mileage.

I always post with assumption that the audience on a marathon training forum actually "trains" to run marathons.

Everyone else can just refer to my avatar...

There is a lot of individuals on this board that feel that they have the right to not train and expect good results. I want MRT back as well.

What's MRT?

Not to train and expect good results...so are my junior half marathon titles not good enough? 10k under 20 champion two years in a row not good enough for you? Women under 35 marathon champ for my province? Seeing as I am only 19...I think I do get rather good results. Sorry for that awful statement but what is with hatred against people who don't run miles and miles every week...starting to think it is a bit of jealousy there.

Not jealousy... results. I started at a 4:23 marathon at 38 years old, and attained a 2:59 marathon at 44 years old. I "KNOW" what it took to get from A to B. You just 'speculate' about your absolute finish time without regard for what it takes to improve. Can a young girl beat an old man's marathon PR? I ran a 2:59:35 at 44 years old. Beat that.

If you want to just run, then that's great! Run! If you want to improve, then learn about training. That's the difference...

So is improving froma 2h 15 half marathon to a 1h 27 half marathon not good enough for you either? LOL shame

Originally Posted by calbearsfan:

Originally Posted by RunWithaSmile:

...starting to think it is a bit of jealousy there.

Oh yeah, we are all jealous... Please continue to entertain us - you and that gentle barefoot guy make this place much more fun to visit...

Well then stop going ape at people who have a different way of doing things than you.

Runwithasmile - you've said you don't like training, that you just want to run one day a week. That's fine since we all run for different reasons. You've asked if it's a good way to train and I didn't answer since I think you're too smart to actually believe that. I think you should keep doing what you enjoy and keep running with a smile.

But please stop chiming in on threads asking for training advice when your only advice is that you hate training.

Runwithasmile - you've said you don't like training, that you just want to run one day a week. That's fine since we all run for different reasons. You've asked if it's a good way to train and I didn't answer since I think you're too smart to actually believe that. I think you should keep doing what you enjoy and keep running with a smile.

But please stop chiming in on threads asking for training advice when your only advice is that you hate training.

I thank you for a well-structured response, and I understand what you mean, but the OP queried about less being better - and in my opinion (I am entitled to one) he can run a 3:45 marathon on less mileage.

Can you let the OP be the judge of which comments are useful to him, if you didn't see, he THANKED me for my input, and I wouldn't have said anything more had no one got annoyed it. I know I may have triggered some to be annoyed at me by bringing it up again - but really, it is annoying that everyone is so anti running low mileage when in my case that is what works. Maybe it works for others too?

But yes, I will keep running with a smile Definitely - it's what I am known for here - crossing the line smiling

Let's face it, folks, lazy and fast is way better than lazy and slow. And, if you're going to run a 3:30 marathon, wouldn't you rather run it barefoot without bothering with all those pesky long runs that take so much time and effort? Being born with talent is easy. The hard part is learning to graciously accept the adulation of the less gifted without reminding the rest of us of how much we want to be just like you.

Let's face it, folks, lazy and fast is way better than lazy and slow. And, if you're going to run a 3:30 marathon, wouldn't you rather run it barefoot without bothering with all those pesky long runs that take so much time and effort? Being born with talent is easy. The hard part is learning to graciously accept the adulation of the less gifted without reminding the rest of us of how much we want to be just like you.

Maybe this is a tale of potential vs. reality (not just the fact that the barefoot guy is really irritating). My first marathon was a 3:42 on 12 weeks of Higdon Beginner 2 at 48. 61% age grade (I took up running to spend time with my older daughter over the summer as she trained for XC pre-season).

Looking back, I should have just said that this marathon thing is f'ing easy. Run a few times a week, and nailed (nailed I tell you) a 3:30 a few years later. Now I'm really p!ssed. I have totally blown it for the past five years. What a waste of time.

Runwithsmile - "When in my case that is what works". No it doesn't. You are the worst runner here relative to your potential.

What a dumb thing to measure - you can't measure someone's potential.

Originally Posted by Girl In Motion:

And now we're going to have to hear about how we all jumped down her throat for bragging in the next 10 threads she replies to. Poor little girl. This is going to get so f@#kg old. It already is.

Nah, I've grown thick skin and realised a lot of this forum is about getting pissed off at anyone else who does marginally well. And why are you still replying if you think its getting old!

Originally Posted by calbearsfan:

Originally Posted by calbearsfan:

Originally Posted by RunWithaSmile:

Ha-ha... And you certainly proved on this and other threads that you don't have any mental capacity at all, except the bragging one .

Yes but at least I am acting my age If you read one of the threads I posted on, I have more knowledge about it than all of you, not really proud of that - its not a great thing to know about but if you understood it at all - you'd probably think maybe I shouldn't be running every day.

Originally Posted by dkggpeters:

Her age graded score is only 66% which is really unimpressive. Nothing to brag about.

LOL well in New Zealand there are barely any my age which run, actually - here we aren't allowed to run marathons until we're 18, and I only just turned 19. What a biased measure that is! In fact, if that's my score - and I am ahead of all my friends who have a coach and run five times a week - speed work and all - hate to think what theirs is at 20 and 25 years old! They must be wasting a lot of time!

Hey, lay off the little girl! More is less, don't ya know? I'm going to try a marathon with no training miles and see how that works. She might be on to something here! All these world-class runners, coaches, and physiologists who've spent many decades building a knowledgebase of training techniques and results are probably all in on one of the greatest scams ever! Training plans? Pfffttt... who needs that kind of commitment? Just run once or twice a week and then run a marathon in 3:26!

Yes! I'm in!

Hey just be careful if that's not what you're used to But if you're up for a try of it - i'd like to hear how you go

Originally Posted by tattooed phat man:

The hard part is learning to graciously accept the adulation of the less gifted without reminding the rest of us of how much we want to be just like you.

Runwithsmile - "When in my case that is what works". No it doesn't. You are the worst runner here relative to your potential.

What a dumb thing to measure - you can't measure someone's potential.

Originally Posted by Girl In Motion:

And now we're going to have to hear about how we all jumped down her throat for bragging in the next 10 threads she replies to. Poor little girl. This is going to get so f@#kg old. It already is.

Nah, I've grown thick skin and realised a lot of this forum is about getting pissed off at anyone else who does marginally well. And why are you still replying if you think its getting old!

Originally Posted by calbearsfan:

Originally Posted by calbearsfan:

Originally Posted by RunWithaSmile:

Ha-ha... And you certainly proved on this and other threads that you don't have any mental capacity at all, except the bragging one .

Yes but at least I am acting my age If you read one of the threads I posted on, I have more knowledge about it than all of you, not really proud of that - its not a great thing to know about but if you understood it at all - you'd probably think maybe I shouldn't be running every day.

Originally Posted by dkggpeters:

Her age graded score is only 66% which is really unimpressive. Nothing to brag about.

LOL well in New Zealand there are barely any my age which run, actually - here we aren't allowed to run marathons until we're 18, and I only just turned 19. What a biased measure that is! In fact, if that's my score - and I am ahead of all my friends who have a coach and run five times a week - speed work and all - hate to think what theirs is at 20 and 25 years old! They must be wasting a lot of time!

Hey, lay off the little girl! More is less, don't ya know? I'm going to try a marathon with no training miles and see how that works. She might be on to something here! All these world-class runners, coaches, and physiologists who've spent many decades building a knowledgebase of training techniques and results are probably all in on one of the greatest scams ever! Training plans? Pfffttt... who needs that kind of commitment? Just run once or twice a week and then run a marathon in 3:26!

Yes! I'm in!

Hey just be careful if that's not what you're used to But if you're up for a try of it - i'd like to hear how you go

Originally Posted by tattooed phat man:

The hard part is learning to graciously accept the adulation of the less gifted without reminding the rest of us of how much we want to be just like you.